Apparatus for testing miners&#39; safety-lamps, &amp;c.



. E. A, HAILWOOD. APPARATUS FOR TESTING MINERS' SAFETY LAMPS, aw.APPLICATION FILED NOV. 8, 1907.

990,860, Patented May 2, 1911.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

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E. A. HAILWOOD.

APPARATUS FOR TESTING MINBRS' SAFETY LAMPS, 6w. APPLICATION FILED K018,1907.

990,860. 1 Patented May 2, 1911.

4 SHBETS-SHEET 2.

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THE NORRIS PEIERS co wasmlvcralv. u. c.

E. A. HAILWOOD. APPARATUS FOR TESTING MINERS' SAFETY LAMPS, 6w.

APPLICATION FILED NOV. 8, 1907.

Patented May 2, 1911.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

THE NDRRH: PETERS 50-, wAsmNarun, c. c

E. A. HAILW'OOD. APPARATUS FOR TESTING MINBRS SAFETY LAMPS, &o.

APPLIOATION FILED NOV. 8. 1907.

Patented May 2, 1911.

4 SHEEN-SHEET 4.

s w i m: NDRIH: PETERS ca WASHINGTON, n. c,

' with same.

ERNEST ARTHUR- HAILWOOD,

OF MORLEY, ENGLAND.

APPARATUS FOR TESTING MINERS SAFETY-LAMPS, 8w.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented. May 2, 1911.

Application filed November 8, 1907. Serial No; 401,357.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ERNEST ARTHUR I-IAIL- wooo, a subject of the King'of Great Britain and Ireland, whose postal address is 7 GladstoneTerrace, Morley, near Leeds, in the county of York, England, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for TestingMiners Safety- :llamps or the Like, of which the following is aspecification.

The object of my invention is to provide improved means whereby minerssafety lamps or the like may be rapidly, efiiciently, safely, and withcertainty, subjected to a severe explosion test, with a view toascertaining whether each lamp is safe enough for use in the mine, thelamps being automatically ignited during the testing process.

In describing my invention, reference is bad to the accompanying sheetsof drawings, in which similar letters indicate similar parts, in which,

Figure l is a sectional elevation of my improved apparatus, (part showncut away.) Fig. 2 is a side sectional view of apparatus shown in Fig. 1.Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a cock in the gas main, and also of thetripping device in connection Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation of amodified form of my invention. Fig. 4 depicts a part sectional.elevation part shown diagrammatically-of relief valve and magneticclosing device in connection with the gas cook. Fig. 1 is a sectionalelevation of a modified form of device, embodying my principles. Fig. 5,sectional elevation of modified form of my invention. 6 and 7, sectionalplans taken on line B. F. (Fig. Fig. 8, sectional elevation of modifiedform of my invention. Fig. 9, plan, taken on line G. H. (Fig. 8), partshown cut away. Fig. 10 is a sectional plan of a modified. form of myinvention. Fig. l0 is a sectional elevation of a further modified form.Fig. 11 is a sectional plan of a detail, and, Fig. 12 is a sectionaleleva-- tion of a detail.

In carrying my invention into effect, I attach in any convenient mannerto a bench bracket or wall bracket 1, a preferably cylindrical outerchamber 2, constructed of iron, or other suitable material. The saidchamber is provided with an outlet valve 3, and relief valve 3*, whichvalves may be placed in any convenient position. Connected eitherhorizontally or at any desirable angle with the inside of the outerchamber, I arrange at any desirable position, one or more tubes or gasmixture inlet tubes 4, the inner portion of the said inlets terminatinginside the outer chamber in the form of a tubular ring or the like P,the said ring being provided with a number of perforations for thepurpose of diffusing the gas mixture well on its entry into the saidouter chamber. The aforesaid inlet tubes 4 are coupled up to the gastubes at, a Bunsen air injector 6 with an adjustable air feed beingarranged at any convenient place in the gas tubes or gas inlets. ThisBunsen regulator is after the style of the type employed in connectionwith stoves or gas burners for the admission of air to the gas. Gas main4 is provided with a cook or valve having a long arm 4, the said armbeing connected to the valve closing spindle, the normal or off positionof such arm being in a line at right angles to rod 20. Fig. 2 depictsthis device on a larger scale, the dotted lines showing the position ofthe long arm 1, when same is in the open position, in manner hereinafterexplained. To insure the said arm 1 always returning to the normalposition two springs 4 (see Fig. 2) are provided, one end of each springbe ing attached to arm 4 while the other ends are attached to theframework I of the machine. The said arm 4E would also be in the offposition when the right hand portion in the drawing is depressed. Thisposition would be brought about on the lowering of the rod 20.

7, Figs. 1 and 2, is what I term a base plate, into which the lamp to betested is placed. This base plate is provided with an insulated springaction terminal 8, from which an insulated wire 8 is carried to aninsulated contact pin 9. 10 is a metal ring connected by means of wire10 to another outstanding terminal 11. Toward the bottom of the outerchamber 2, I arrange insulated contact pieces 12 and 13; wires 12 and 13lead from the respective contact pieces to the secondary terminals ofthe induction coil 14, the said coil being preferably placed in a gastight box in chamber 15. For the sake of clearness I have not shown thisgas tight box. Upon chamber 15, bracket 1 rests. Another outstandingi11- sulated terminal 16see Fig. 2-is arranged on the said base plate 7,from which a wire or the like 17 leads to one of the primary 7 inductioncoil 14.

terminals of the induction coil 14. A spring The upper portion of baseplate 7 is made to have a sliding fit within the mouth of the cylinder2. The walls of the said base plate may be pierced so as to allow thegas mix ture to circulate within same. The said base plate is supportedby the rod 20, the latter being provided with toothed rack orthe like21, into which teeth a pinion 22, carried on a shaft23, engages. Thesaid shaft 23 also carries toward one end of same a pulley 24, thelatter being encircled by an endless rope or the like 24; such rope alsopasses over guide pulley 25 supported on bracket 1. Toward the other endof shaft 23 an eccentric, or clutch, or free wheel like cam 26 isarranged. Attached to or riding on such cam is a rod 27 on to the upperend of which a sliding outlet valve spindle or plate 3 'is keptdepressed by means of spring 3 A notch 3 on this valve spindle 3 engageswith a spring catch 3 when the said spindle 3 has been raised in mannerhereinafter explained. This catch 3 'may be released by a trippingdevice consisting of a sliding rod 3 carried in guides attached to theoutside walls of the outer chamber 2, said rod being provided with aspring hinge-like catch 3 at its lower extremity. A knocking piece 3 isarranged on the wallsoutside-of the base plate 7 Rod 20 is also providedwith a raised portion 28 having ratchet teeth 29. Relief valve 3, whichmay open in the eX- haust pipe, is provided with a spring 30 which tendsto keep the said valve in the closed position. The said valve alsocarries an upstanding pin 31, the said pin being connected by way ofspring 30, frame 32, and wire 33, with one pole of a primary cell 34*,.the other pole of which latter is connected by means of wire 34 to asuperstructure 35, such superstructure being formed on a bed ofinsulating material. lVire 34 in its course is wound around a soft iron'magnet core 37 near one end of which a spring armature switch isarranged, the latter being in the circuit of a second primary cell 39and trembling bell 39.

Gas main 4 is coupled up to any suitable gas supply service, such as theordinary coal gas mains, or to a tank containing acetylene, or hydrogen,or hydrogen in combination with coal gas, or any other suitable gas. Thevarious valves in the apparatus and the mains may be protected withperforated metal sheets or wire gauze 3.

To test a miners safety lamp, same is placed in the base plate 7, thelamp having passed through a side opening 7-, insulated conductor orconductors in the said lamp being in connection with insulatedconductors 8 and 10. The rope 24 is operated, thereby causing pulley 24,shaft 23, and pinion 22 to revolve, teeth in the pinion e11- gaging inteeth in the rack 21, causing the rod 20 carrying the base plate 7 andthe lamp, to be raised up into the outer chamber 2, the base'platecompletely closing the mouth of the outer chamber 2. The upward travelof the rod 20 causes the projecion 28 to trip up the long arm 4 of thevalve in the gas main, gas immediately flowing along the gas main 4, gastube 4, receiving a supply of air at regulator 6,the air and gas thentraveling through inlets 4 and rings 4 into chamber 2. This flowcontinues so long as the arm 4 is held in the up position. The period offlow may be regulated by altering the length of the projection 28. Iprefer to arrange it so that just prior to the rod 20 reaching the endof its possible travel the arm 4 will slide off the lower end. of thesaid projection, thus cutting off the gas supply just before theexplosion takes place in the apparatus.

The rotation of the shaft 23 causes the free wheel cam or eccentric 26to rapidly raise the sliding bar 27. This in turn raises outlet valvespindle 3", when spring catch 3 engages in the notch 3 thereby retainingthe valve spindle in the closed position during almost the whole of theupward travel of the rod 20 and base plate 7. Upon the lamp completelyentering the chamber 2, and after the base plate 7 has completely closedthe mouth of such chamber, the insulated primary terminal 16 comes intocontact with the primary terminal 17, the latter being arranged at anysuitable place on the outside of, or in the walls of the outer chamber2, thereby immediately clos ing the primary circuit, when current willflow from the accumulator or generator 13 along wire 17", throughterminal portions 17 and 16 along wire 17 around the primary wires ofthe induction coil and back to the other terminal of the generator 18, asecondary current being immediately set up in the secondary coils of theinduction coil, the

secondary current traveling along wire 13 to tu're which by now wouldhave permeated into the interior of the lamp, a violent searchingexplosion ensues, and should any vital part of the lamp be missing, orout of order, the flame would be carried to and ignite the gas mixtureinside the upper chamber 2, and surrounding the outside of the lamp; theforce of the resulting explosion would raise the valve 3 permitting theexpanded gases to escape into the exhaust or waste pipe. The raising ofvalve 3 causes upstanding pin 31 to come into contact withsuperstructure 35 immediately closing the electric circuit in which theelectromagnet core 37 is situated, armature 38 would immediately beattracted to the core 37, releasing the switch of the trembling bellcircuit, closing such circuit, and cansing the bell to continuously ringuntil the operator restores the switch portion 38 to its originalposition. This ringing of the bell warns the operator that a defectivelamp is in the apparatus. hen the test is completed, the rope 24 isoperated in the opposite direction. The rotation of shaft 23 and pinion22 causes the rod 20 carrying the base plate and lamp to be lowered.During this operation the arm 4 would be depressed by the projection 28and remain depressed until the projection 28 had passed quite out ofreach of the said arm 4, when same would immediately spring to thehorizontal position, ready for the next upward movement of the rod 20and projection 28.

When the base plate 7 commences to descend, the knocking piece 3 engageswith the spring catch piece 8 causing same, together with the slidingrod 3, to be lowered, when the spring catch at the upper end of rod 3would trip over spring catch 3 thereby releasing the spring actuatedvalve spindle 3", which spindle would immediately descend, therebyopening the out-let valve through which the gaseous contents of thechamber 2 and base plate 7 could flow into the exhaust or waste pipe. Bythus clearing the chamber after each test, the next regulated charge ofgas to enter the chamber 2 would not be interfered with.

To prevent the base plate 7 being lowered too soon, teeth 29 are formedin the projection 28, into which teeth arm 4 engages, thereby preventingthe downward movement of the base plate and rod 20 until the whole ofthe projection 28 has passed over the arm 4.

In Fig. 2, rope 24 is shown cut away, while pulley 24 has been omittedto enable the mechanism in connection with rod 20 to be brought intoclearer view. For the sake of clearness the secondary wires in Fig. 1have been shown connected up to the induclien coil, while the wires 17and 17 shown in Fig. 2, may be connected to the primary terminals of theinduction coil and the accumulator. For the same reason the tremblingbell device and magnetic release have been placed between Figs. 1 and 2,part being shown diagrammatically.

In a modified form of my invention, Fig. 3, mixing vanes 40 encircle theinside walls of the outer chamber 2, the said vanes being suitablyattached, (either as a fixture or hinged) to one or more sliding rods41, said rod having a flange 42 and spring 43 toward the upper portionthereof. A number of spring snaps 41 are arranged toward the lowerportion of sliding rod 41. The rod 20 which supports the base plate 7carries primary switch piece 8 while the other primary switch piece 16is suitably attached to the framework 1 of the apparatus. Lever 22 issuitably fulcrumed in bracket 42, one end of such lever being suitablyattached to rod 20. The other end of lever 22 is shaped into handle 24Piston rod 44 is attached at a convenient point to lever 22 The lowerextremity of the said piston rod takes into a piston block 44, thelatter being provided with leather rings to make an air or gas tightjoint with the cylinder 46. The latter is provided with valves 47 and48, the former being placed at the entrance to the gas main 4, whilevalve 48 is placed at the entrance to tube 4, the latter tube beingconnected through Bunsen regulator 6 and inlets 4 with the chamber 2*.Spring 44 tends to keep the lever handle 24 in the up position.Secondary terminal 8 is arranged in the base plate 7 and connected up tothe secondary of the induction coil in manner aforesaid. The othersecondary terminal of the induction coil is connected to nut 12 inconnection with the framework of the apparatus, the secondary currentpassing from this nut through the framework to the base plate 7 thislatter taking the place of ring 10 in Figs. 1 and 2, for the purpose ofcompleting the secondary circuit through the lamp. The upper portion ofthe piston rod 44 is provided with a serrated projection 44 againstwhich a roller 44 carried on sliding bar 44 is pressed by the action ofa spring coiled around bar 44. The latter is carried in a suitablebracket attached to the framework of the apparatus, the bar being hingedat 44 to a portion 4 of gas tube 4 The mouth of 4 opens into a chamberformed at the joint extremity of the two inlets 4. The other extremityof portion 4 is secured to gas tube 4 by means of a ball joint. Tooperate this form ofmy invention, alamp is placed on base plate 7 thehandle 24 depressed, thereby forcing the piston rod 44 and block 44 downinto the pump cylinder 46 causing gas, which at the last upward movementof piston block 44 had been sucked into the said pump cylinder, to beforced at a great pressure through valve 48, gas tube 4, portion 4,Bunsen injector 6, and inlets 4 into the outer chamber 2*. This movementof handle 24 and lever 22 simultaneously raises rod 20 and base plate 7the latter carrying the lamp, up into outer chamber 2*, when at adesired moment after the base plate 7 has closed the mouth of thechamber 2 the primary switch piece 8 will come into contact with thecorresponding portion 16 thereby completing the primary circuit andcausing secondary current to pass through the lamp, causing a flame orspark in the vicinity of the wick tube in manner aforesaid. The raisingof the base plate 7 causes a projection on same to come into contactwith one of the spring snaps 41 causing the sliding rod 41 to rise untilthe flange 42 comes into contact with the walls of the chamber 2 whenthe said spring snap will give way before the advance of the base plate;immediately the spring snap is released, the rod 41 is by the action ofthe spring 43 moved downward until the second spring snap comes intocontact with the aforesaid projection on the base plate, when thesliding rod will be again moved upward and downward. These movementswill continue to take place until the whole of the spring snaps havebeen passed over by the projection on the base plate 7 By thisoscillation of the rod 41, the vanes 40 attached to same receive acorresponding movement and thus stir up and well mix the gaseouscontents of the outer chamber 2 (In Fig. l I show a method whereby thevanes 40 may be carried on a shaft, and be caused to revolve by theoperation of the pulley 25.) In this form of my invention I show samearranged so that the gas mixture may continue flowing at a greatvelocity into the chamber 2 for a short time after the base plate hasclosed the mouth of the outer chamber 2, and before or after the primarycircuit is closed, the switch parts being arranged at a suitabledistance apart on rod 20 to come into contact at a desired moment. Themanner of permitting the gas to continue flowing after the base platehas closed the mouth of the outer chamber 2 is attained by fitting aspring cushion device 20 in rod 20, thereby permitting the continuedmovement of the handle 24*, lever 22, and piston rod 44 and piston block44, so that gas continues to be forced into outer chamber 2 The cylinder46 would be made of suitable dimensions to permit this continuedmovement of the piston block within same. VVit-h this form of myinvention I have also shown a permanently open outlet valve for theescape of the surplus or exploded gas into the exhaust. The openingwould, however, have a sheet of gauze mesh 3 to prevent flame passingthrough. Still referring to Fig. 3, the gas mixture traveling along tube4 is caused to enter first one inlet tube and then the other, therebycausing the gas mixture to impinge 011 the lamp in the chamber, first atone angle and then another. This is accomplished by means of roller 44and sliding bar 44 carrying gas tube portion 4 following the serrations44 when the piston 44 is operated in manner aforesaid. By this means themouth of 4 is directed toward first one inlet and then the other,according as the roller is at the base or the summit of a serration 44.

Fig. 4 shows-partially diagrammaticallymy method of magneticallyshutting off the gas supply to the testing apparatus. The relief valve 3and magnet circuit described in reference to Figs. 1 and 2 are in thisfigure shown to a larger scale. Upon the valve 3 being raised by theforce of the explosion within the apparatus, the circuit in connectionwith the primary cell 34 and magnet core 37 is closed whereupon themagnet core attracts the armature 38, which releases the spring actuatedvalve spindle 4",

the downward movement of which latter cuts off the supply of gas fromthe gas main 4 The modification shown in Fig. 4 has been devised inorder that the gas may be more or less compressed. My principle is in noway departed from, but the arrangement of the moving cylinders and thevalves are somewhat different to those described in Figs. 1, 2, and 3. 4is the gas inlet main. 4 the gas inlet valve. G the air inlet valve. 100"shows the sliding rods for locking air and gas valves, while thechamber 2 is being exhausted. 101, the angle piece provided with spring102; this latter always tends to pull the angle piece down so thatroller end 102 is running in the recess 103 formed on the sides 7 of thebase plate. Just about the time the base plate completely fills thechamber 2 the projection 104 will cause lever 102 to turn over and pressthe locking rods 100 into notches formed in the spindles of the air andgas valves 4 and 4", keeping same locked until the roller end 102 isagain able to enter the recess 103 and this would only be when the baseplate has been lowered some short distance during which time the cam 26(free wheel type) would have raised the exhaust valve 3 through themedium or rod 27-. By this means gas and air are prevented from enteringthe chamber 2 until same has been exhausted of the last charge ofexplosive mixture. Immediately the lock bolts 100 release the air andgas valves on the downward movement of base plate gas and air are by thesaid downward movement of the base plate drawn into the chamber 2 readyfor the next test. So that on the next upward movement of base platecarrying a lamp, the gas mixture, which would have filled the chamber 2would first be compressed to its most explosive point, about which timethe circuits as shown in the other sketches would close and subject thelamp to a severe test, or I may employ the arrangement shown at 107,which is a combined lock and switch. The sliding rod 107 is forcedoutward and into a recess 108 formed in the rod 27 keeping same lockedduring the compression of the gas in the chamber 2. The lockautomatically releases just about the time the base plate arrives at theend of its upward journey, by the spring 107 forcing the sliding rod 107into the recess 109 in the frame of the base plate. This lock may carrythe portions of the primary switch, the two portions connected to wires16 and 17 only coming together when the sliding bar 107 jumps intorecess 100, -2'. 0. when the base plate has completely entered thechamber 2. To prevent the gas being ignited by sparks forming at thebase f the lamp, 1 rest the lamp on a soft rubber ring MW, and keep thelamp hard pressed on same by means of spring actuated sliding plunger105 carried in a cross bar 106. The base plate would be provided withpiston springs 116, so as to make a tight joint with the inside walls ofthe chamber 2.

In a further modified form of my invention, see Figs. 5, 6, and 7, theupper chamber 2 is movable, while the base plate 7 is a fixture. Theoperation of rope 2% passed over pulleys 2-1 and 25 causes shaft 23,keyed to pulley 24 to revolve. The said shaft 2 carries at one end abevel pinion 22 which latter engages with bevel teeth 21 formed on orabout the crown of the outer chamber 2 A free wheel like cam oreccentric 2c is secured to the other end of shaft 23. Valve spindle 4 isby means of a coiled spring pressed against the outer rim of the saidcam 28. The said valve spindle t forms part of the gas admittance valveon the gas main 4 The gas tube 1 connects the said valve through theBunsen regulator to the chamber 51 formed in the base and sides of thebase plate 7*. Apertures 52 placed at any convenient angle in the baseand inner walls of the base plate and also in the crown of same, allowthe gas mixture to circulate within the interior of the base plate andouter chamber 2*. The small arrows show the course the gas would mostlikely take. Insulated contacts or terminals in the base plate 7 areconnected in manner aforesaid to the secondary of the induetion coil.The primary switch or push 16 is carried on a detachable bracketattached in any convenient manner to the underside of the bench orchamber 3 upon which the outer chamber 2 and base plate 7 are supported.A push piece 8 is formed or attached to the base of the outer chamber2". Wires from the primary switch 16 are connected to the primarycircuit of the induction coil and accumulator in manner aforesaid. Sideopenings or doors 2*, see

Figs. 6 and 7, are formed in the outer chamber 2 and a correspondingopening 7 is formed in base plate 7". To operate this form of myinvention, the lamp to be tested. is passed through side doors 2 and 7the outer chamber having been slid along until the two openingscoincide. The lamp would be placed upon insulated conductors 8 and 10 inthe base plate 7". Rope 24 is operated causing pulley 24 shaft 23, bevelpinion 22 and cam 28 to revolve, pinion 22 engaging with the bevel teeth21 causes the outer chamber 2 to travel around the stationary base plate7 until the side door 2 arrives about in the position shown in plan inFig.

7, at which moment the projection or push piece 8 comes into contactwith the primary push or switch 16 thereby closing such switch, andcompleting the primary circuit, when a secondary current will be set upin the induction coil and pass through the lamp causing a spark or flameto form in same in manner aforesaid, and demonstrating the presence of adefective lamp, also in manner aforesaid. In this form of my invention,the gas mixture would be permitted to enter the base plate and outerchamber and lamp in the following manner, 1'. 0., on the rotation of theshaft 23 cam 2S depresses valve spindle 1 opening same, and allowing gasfrom the gas main 4: to travel along gas tube 4* into the chamber 51,and through apertures 52. This flow of gas continues just as long as thecam keeps the valve spindle 1' depressed. I prefer to arrange thedimensions of the cam and valve spindle such that just prior to theouter chamber 2 arriving at the position shown in Fig. 7, the cam willrecede from the valve spindle.

Figs. 6 and 7 are sectional plans taken on line E and F, Fig. 5. In Fig.6, pulley 25 is omitted, the lamp is also omitted from both. figures.

The general arrangement of the apparatus shown in Figs. 8 and 9, Fig. 9being a sectional plan of the outer chamber, base plate and bracket 1,taken on line G. H. of Fig. 8, is somewhat after the manner of theapparatus shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7, except that in this form the gasmain -1 is connected direct to a swivel joint 4 arranged on the crown ofthe outer chamber 2, the gas main always being in direct communicationwith a chamber 51 formed in the upper portion of the outer chamber 2.The base of this chamber is provided with an aperture 52 The crown ofbase plate 7 is provided with an elongated aperture 53. I, is a bracketwhereby gas main 4? may be supported. This arrangement has the effect ofsecuring the outer chamber 2 on its bed without employing the flangedplate shown in Figs. 5, 6, and 7. Gas is permitted to enter thisaperture by the following means. Outer chamber 2 is slid around in thedirection of the small arrow, Fig. 9, handle 54 being provided to assistin this operation. At the commencement of this movement the aperture 52is in the position shown at A, Fig. 9. After a short travel of outerchamber 2 this aperture will arrive in the position shown at B; thecontinued movement of the outer chamber causes the said aperture totravel right across the aperture 53 until finally, position O isreached. It will be obvious that at the commencement of the aforesaidmovement the gas in chamber 51. is confined to such chamber, but duringthe period occupied in traveling, the aperture 52 passes over theelongated aperture 53, gas will pass through the latter into the lampand space surrounding the same, in the interior of the apparatus.Immediately the aperture 52 has passed completely over the aperture 53the gas is automatically cut off from the lamp. The secondary circuitsand. primary circuits may be closed in manner aforesaid, or the primarycircuit may have an additional break at 8 closed by the pressure of thelamp ona terminal passed through the base plate. A gauze protectedoutlet valve 3 would be placed in the base plate for the purpose ofcarrying off the gases in manner aforesaid. To facilitate the easytravel of the outer chamber 2, I may support same on ball or rollerbearings 56'.

Observation window 2" (see Figs. 6 and 7 may be placed at any convenientposition on any of the apparatus.

Fig. 10 shows sectional plan of modified form of my invention in whichtwo or more lamps may be tested with one charge of gas. In this form thebase plate is provided with a suitable number of dishes for thereception of the lamps to be tested, said dishes being provided withinsulated secondary terminals 8 and 10.- The secondary terminal of onedish being connected to the similar second-- ary terminal of itsneighbor, and so on throughout the whole series of dishes, the seriesbeing connected to one terminal ofthe induction coil by means of wire12*. Separate wires 13 from each of the other secondary terminals of thesaid dishes are led to the separate push portions 12 supported on block12, each of the push portions being surrounded by insulation material.The opposite corresponding sliding portions of such pushes 12 are allelectrically wired together and connected by means of wire 13 to theother terminal of the induction coil. Each portion 12 is insulated fromits neighbor, the lower end 16 of such push portions are also insulatedfrom the front portion12. The portions 16 are connected together bymeans of a wire conductor; the said wire is then carried to one of theprimary terminals of the induction coil. Opposite to portions 16 a barconductor 17 having platinum tips 17 is placed. This bar is placed inconnecthe test hereinbefore described.

tion with one of the terminals of the. accumu lator 18 by means of wire17. When the apparatus, with lamps in position has been charged with gasmixture in manner aforesaid, the outer chamber 2 is operated in manneraforesaid, when push piece or projection 8wi1l in due course come intoco11- tact with push portion 12 depressing same on to portion 12 therebyclosing the second ary circuit in one of the dishes, and lamp on same.Portion 12 carrying contact piece 16 will in turn advance until theportion 16 comes into contact with platinum tip 17 on block or bar 17?.thereby closing the primary circuit and causing a current to flowthrough the first lamp, subjecting the said lamp to The continuedmovement of outer chamber 24 causes projection 8 to slide free from thefirst push 12, immediately breaking the electric circuit-s, theprojection 8 will then come into contact with and depress the secondpush 12, thereby closing the secondary and primary circuits in mannerdescribed in re terence to the first push 12. This course would bepursued until the whole of the pushes had been operated in succession,and the whole of the lamps in the chamber or base plate tested.

Fig. 10 shows a modified form so arranged that two or more lamps may betested with one charge of gas. In this form base plate 7 is stationarywhile the upper chamber 2 may be raised or lowered in a verticaldirection by means of handle 24:", rope or the like 24 (the latter beingpassed over pullevs 25 and cam pulley 28*) the revolution of the campulley opens or closes the gas main through the medium of the arm 4 inmanner aforesaid. In this form the gas inlett may be of rubber hose, andpassed over a pulley. A weighted pulley is provided for the purpose ofkeeping the hose taut, and this without interfering with the freemovement of the chamber 2*. Doors 7 may be provided for the purpose ofpassing lamps in and out of the apparatus. The arrangement of pushes issomewhat as shown in reference to Fig. 1.0. The pushes in respect of thevarious lamps are arranged at various heights, so that the whole of thepushes in connection with one lamp are closed and broken, prior to theseries of pushes in connection with the second lamp being operated bythe lowering of the chamber 2 t-he'base rim of which chamber acts as themedium for closing the various switches or pushes. Outlet pipe 3 wouldbe connected to the exhaust pipe by means of a flexible tube or thelike, this for the sake of clearness has been omitted from the drawing.

Fig. 11 depict-s sectional plan of a modified form of my invention. Inthis figure l have, to avoid repetition, shown two methods of admittinggas mixture to the cham ber provided for the reception of the lamp orlamps under test. Door 7 2 hinged at 74-. is provided with an extensionsuch as 70, against which, valve spindle 75 is by means of spring 76caused to press, so that on the closing of the door 72 the said valvespindle 75 advances and opens the cook 77 placed in the gas main 4permitting gas to enter inlet 4: and thence forward into the chambercontaining the lamp or lamps. Just as the door 72 reaches the closedposition the same causes two portions 17 and 17, placed at anyconvenient position, to come into conact, closing the electric circuit,and causing the lamp to be subjected to the explosion test in manneraforesaid. The other method of permitting gas mixture to enter theapparatus, shown in this figure, on the left hand side thereof, consistsof a tripping piece or latch 71, which must be operated before the door72 can be opened. This tripping piece is connected to the valve spindle82 carried by valve 83. The other end of this spindle is shaped in theform of a hook which engages in a similar hook 81, formed on a slidingrod 80, said sliding rod having a projection carrying insulated terminal17 connected to the primary circuit. An insulated primary terminal iscarried on a bracket in which the spindle 8O slides. Qhis latter primaryterminal is also in the primary circuit. The other end of the slidingspindle or rod 80 is formed into the shape of a handle 78, the operationof which first causes hook 81 to engage in the hook on valve spindle 82drawing such valve spindle into the open position, permitting gas toenter the chamber in which the lamp is, placed.

This flow will continue so long as the opening in the valve spindle isin line with the opening in the valve 88, the continued operation of thehandle 78 causes primary terminal 17 to come into contact with primaryterminal 17, closing the electric circuits in manner aforesaid. Thecontinued movement of the handle 7 8 eventually withdraws the trippingpiece 71, and releases the door 7 2.

In a further modified form of my invention, I place at any convenientposition on the apparatus or framework, a separate elec tric switch-seeFig. 12. The two portions 60 and 61 are held asunder by strong spring 62in such a manner that to close such switch a push cock or valve spindle63 in the main 4 must be pushed hard home, the pushing home of which,first of all brings into line with the gas main an aperture in the valvespindle, thereby permitting a certain amount of gas to enter the gastube 1*, and the interior of the apparatus, so as to allow a fairquantity of gas to travel through the aperture in the valve spindle. Imay provide same with a spring cushion device 64 which must be closedbefore the switch portion of the valve spindle will travel along in thedirection of portion 60. hen this does eventually happen, the meeting ofthe two portions 60 and 61 closes the primary circuit, and a secondarycurrent is set up in the lamp in manner aforesaid.

It will be clear that with the device hereinbefore described, theclosing of the outer chamber, base plate, or door, must automaticallyturn on a charge of gas mixture into the interior of the said outerchamber or base plate, and must also safely and automatically switch oncurrent through the lamp or lamps placed within such chamber or baseplate, so that an apparatus con structed according to my invention maybe safely and satisfactorily placed in the charge of an unskilledlaborer.

I wish it to be understood that the terms door, chamber and base plateare to be re garded as synonymous.

hat I claim as my invention is 1. An apparatus for testing minerssafetylamps, comprising a lamp chamber, such chamber having relatively movingportions and being provided with means for admit ting the lamp, meansfor admitting an explosive mixture of gas, and means for cutting sameoff, means for electrically igniting the lamp when the same is safely inthe testing chamber, and the chamber is closed. and means for allowingthe safe escape of the ignited gases, due to an explosion, and means forindicating a defective lamp, such means being operated by the explosion,substantially as described and set forth.

2. An apparatus for testing miners safety lamps comprising a chamberhaving a relatively movable portion, a gas supply to said chamber, avalve for controlling the same, a valve controlled outlet from thechamber. means for moving the movable portion of the chamber to closethe same, means for allowing gas to enter the chamber operated by theclosing movement, means for closing the outlet valve by said closingmovement,

and means for completing an electric circuit when the chamber is closedto ignite the lamp.

3. An apparatus for testing miners safety lamps, comprising a chamberhaving a relatively movable portion, means for moving the movableportion for closing the chamber, means for completing an electriccircuit when said chamber is closed so as to ignite the lamp, and meansfor allowing gas to flow into the chamber, and said means being operatedby the closing movement of the chamber.

4-. An apparatus for testing miners safety lamps comprising a. chamberhaving a relatively movable portion, a gas inlet tube to said chamber,means for moving the movable portion for closing the chamber, means openated by the closing movement for allowing the gas to flow into thechamber and then to be cut ofi therefrom, and means for closing anelectric circuit when the chamber is closed to ignite the lamp.

5. An apparatus for testing miners safety lamps, comprising a lampchamber having a relatively movable portion whereby the lamp may beinserted within or withdrawn from said chamber, means for admitting gasto said chamber, an outlet valve for carrying away the gaseous contentsof the lamp chamber and means for operating said valve by the movementof the movable portion of the chamber.

7 6. An apparatus for testing miners safety lamps, comprising a lampchamber having a relatively movable portion whereby the lamp may beinserted within or withdrawn from said chamber, means for admitting gasto said chamber, an outlet valve for said chamber, means for closingsaid valve on the movemnt 0f the movable portion in one direction andmeans for opening the valve by th movement of the movable portion in theopposite direct-ion.

7. An apparatus for testing miners safety lamps, comprising a lampchamber having a relatively movable portion whereby the lamp may beinserted within or withdrawn from said chamber, a relief valve in saidchamber, means for sounding an alarm on the operation of said valve andmeans for closing the chamber and for admitting gas thereto.

8. An apparatus for testing miners safety lamps, comprising a lampchamber having a relatively movable portion whereby the lamp may beinserted within or withdrawn from said chamber, means for allowmg gas toflow into said chamber on the closing movement of the same and to cutoff the supply when the chamber is closed, an electric circuit completedby the closing of the chamber for igniting the lamp, a relief valvelifted by an explosion in the chamber, and alarm mechanism operated bysaid valve.

9. An apparatus for testing miners safety lamps comprising a lampchamber having relatively movable portions, means for operating themovable portions to close the chamber, and means actuated by the closingmovement for agitating the gas within the chamber.

10. An apparatus for testing miners safety lamps comprising a lampchamber having relatively movable portions, means for admitting gas tosaid chamber on the closing movement thereof, an exhaust valve, andmeans for closing the chamber and operating the exhaust valvesimultaneously.

11. An apparatus for testing miners safety lamps, comprising a chamberfor receiving the lamp to be tested, a series of vanes in said chamberfor agitatng the gas, means for introducing gas into said chamber, meansfor closing the chamber and means actuated by the closing movement forautomatically operating the said vanes on or after the admittance of gasthereto.

12. An apparatus for testing miners safety lamps comprising a chamberhaving a relatively movable portion, a valve controlled gas supply tosaid chamber, a tripping device on said valve, and means for operatingthe tripping device to open the valve on the closing of the chamber.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, in the presence of twowitnesses.

ERNEST ARTHUR I-IAILVVOOD.

Witnesses:

LEWIS VVAUGH, JOSEPH F. KnmY.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C.

